Season ticket sales remain strong

Marshall football season ticket sales have exceeded 17,500 and could reach 18,000 by next week. Saturday’s Choose-Your-Seat event at Joan C. Edwards Stadium netted approximately 150 season ticket sales, furthering this year’s record pace. The previous mark was set at 14,029 last season; 2007 season tickets could sell out at 23,500. So here’s the question Herd fans – will Marshall reach the magic number of 23,500?

Kicker commits to Herd

Marshall’s commitment to special teams was further illustrated this week with the verbal commitment of punter/holder Kase Whitehead. The William Blount High School senior (Tenn.), averaged 41.7 yards a punt last season and placed 15 inside the 20-yard line. Most programs entice kickers to walk on and later earn scholarships, but Whitehead received an early offer and he accepted, joining tight end Jamie Hatten, wide receiver Cory McCutchen and cornerback Ahmed Shakoor in Marshall’s prospective recruiting Class of 2008.

Smith, Cann on board with Herd

Here’s an encouraging sign for Marshall football fans. Both the new weight room and Joan C. Edwards Stadium field were crowded with players participating in voluntary summer workouts at 7 a.m. Thursday. The main event took place on the field, with true freshmen Chris Smith and Mark Cann trading throws with veteran quarterbacks. Each is physically mature for his age, they displayed impressive arm strength and can throw on the run. On the wide receiver front, look for Travius Thompson to possibly emerge from a cluttered group of pass-catchers.

Talented cornerback commits to Herd

Marshall continues to hold more than its own while recruiting against BCS programs. On Wednesday, cornerback Ahmed Shakoor committed to the Thundering Herd after receiving offers from Louisville and Virginia Tech. Shakoor is a 5-foot-11, 195-pound cornerback from Stephenson High School (Ga.). He was a high school teammate of fellow MU commitment Cory McCutchen, a 6-4 wide receiver.

Smith on board with Herd

Both the present and future of Marshall football are working toward the 2007 season during voluntary workouts. South Point High School quarterback Chris Smith is the latest to join the fray. He’s enrolled in summer school and working with his new teammates. Fellow true freshman Mark Cann previously enrolled and also is acclimating to Division I-A football along with most of the 2007 recruiting class. For a more detailed update on Smith’s progress, feel free to revisit this blog on Thursday and check out Friday’s edition of The Herald-Dispatch.

Herd camps productive

Marshall University football’s newest verbal commitment certainly looks the part of a legitimate Division I-A playmaker. Wide receiver Cory McCutchen easily was the top prospect at Saturday’s football camp. The 6-foot-4 wide receiver displayed impressive speed and caught the ball confidently with his hands away from his body. Several prospects from Sunday’s Senior Advanced Camp, including Cabell Midland offensive lineman Cole Bowers, Richwood’s Shawn Murphy and Virginia high school standout Torrance Womack, expressed strong interest in the Thundering Herd.

Busy weekend for Herd football

Marshall coaches laid the groundwork last month, visiting more than 900 schools for get-to-know-you meetings with prospects for the 2008 recruiting class. Talented student-athletes from more than 10 states return the favor on Sunday when Marshall hosts a senior advanced camp that will feature several top prospects already on the Herd’s radar. Feel free to visit this blog on Sunday and Monday’s edition of The Herald-Dispatch for updates.

Herd football heating up in June

On the surface, yes, it’s the offseason, but Marshall football is in high gear on several fronts. Most of the 2007 recruiting class, including quarterback Mark Cann and Darius Marshall, were spotted this weekend, are enrolled for summer school and will participate in voluntary summer workouts. In addition, Marshall is hosting a pair of summer camps this weekend, including a Sunday session which will include numerous senior standouts from as many as 12 states.